December vacation days were well spent for hundreds of tennis players who attended the Billy Martin Holiday Tennis Camp 2016 recently at UCLA. It was a time for many kids to improve tennis skills, rekindle friendships, and meet new campers.  The staff was led by UCLA Men’s Head Coach Billy Martin and his staff of over a dozen experienced teaching professionals, who are current or former collegiate players.

Coach Martin and his staff hosted eight days of camp instruction that included fitness, fundamentals match play, 10-and-Under Tennis instruction, as well as camp games and activities. There was something for everyone.

The idea to offer winter tennis camps grew from fulfilling a family need for Coach Martin about 20 years ago. It became so popular that the sessions continued to grow and thrive.

“I started holiday camps so my own boys could practice and train with their friends,” Martin said. “I really enjoy seeing campers, who attend our summer programs, improve their games and return to play our winter camps. It’s also great to meet new kids and have an opportunity to help their games.”

A typical camp day starts with a huge “Welcome” sign overlooking the stadium courts and Coach Martin’s traditional stretching and fitness routine. It’s the perfect plan to get ready for on court action. Then UCLA Men’s Assistant Coach Grant Chen oversees campers’ court assignments and directs instructional curriculum. Also, the UCLA based program now offers a strong 10-and-Under curriculum using red, orange and green balls. “We strive to take care of the needs of all players and all of the levels,” Chen said.

Overall, the Billy Martin Holiday Tennis Camps proved to be the perfect answer to giving kids a chance to exercise, improve tennis skills, and enjoy their brief time off from school.

“Tennis is a year round and global sport,” Martin said. “To be  able to play tennis almost every day in Southern California is a luxury and a tremendous opportunity for our juniors to train.”

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